Holding on to His LAST BREATH

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Alex Parkinson and Focus Features is the true story of the men who live dangerously on their LAST BREATH.

Off the coast of Scotland in the North Sea, a ship takes divers Chris Lemons (Finn Cole), David Yuasa (Simu Liu) and veteran Duncan Allcock (Woody Harrelson) to replace a section of pipeline 300 feet down into the darkness of the ocean. Chris immediately tries to bond with David but land smack up against an emotional wall. The three men get into a diving bell as the seas above are rough from a storm.

The sea is thrashing the boat with 18-foot waves but Chris and David, tethered with an umbilical, are at the bottom beginning their 6-hour work underwater. What they done know is that the ship’s stabilizers stop working and it starts to drag the diving bell and the divers. Chris becomes entangled and the tether breaks. Panicking, David calms Chris saying that he will come back for him! Returning to the diving bell, the clock is ticking as Chris is running out of oxygen.

Commanding the ship is Captain Andre Jenson (Cliff Curtis), with the help of Hanna (MyAnna Buring), Craig (Mark Bonnar) and Mike (Josef Altin), do everything possible to get the boat back to where Chris is, including rebooting the ships systems. They each do what they can to bring Chris home as time is running out and they are not going to leave him behind!

Cole as Chris is a young man who cherishes time with his girlfriend but still loves to dive. Happy to meet up with Duncan, he is equally happy to meet the legendary David. Showing him respect, he wants to get the job done. Cole is sweet, charming and equally frightening in the role of a man who has no time to spare. I’ll keep what happens to myself so you can be just as surprised. Liu as David seems to have a hard outer shell which amuses veteran Duncan but when it comes to the chaos, he digs deep. Liu gives his character strength when he needed it the most. Wonderfully done.

Harrelson as Duncan loves what he does and has a close friendship with Chris. He knows what needs to be done and when it falls apart, he is the go-between from the diving bell to the ship up top. I adore Harrelson in roles like this as the solid but somewhat quirky man in charge. Curtis and Buring are in control of the ship and make unusual decisions to save one man. Bonnar as Craig tries everything to stay in contact with the diving bell and Altin as Mike does a little creative splicing to get their ship back.

Other cast include Connor Reed as Andrew, Nick Biadon as Stuart, Riz Khan as Kirk, Aldo Silvio as Brad, Kevin Naudi as Alex, Claudiu Baciu as Paul, Brett Murray as Nick, and Muhammad Arnini Bin Ariffin as Jun.

Focus Features’ mission is to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share diverse, distinctive stories that inspire human connection. Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies that brings entertainment and news to a global audience. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.focusfeatures.com.

LAST BREATH is based on the 2019 documentary of the same name that was done by Parkinson and Richard da Costa. The incident happened on September 19, 2012.

I am a huge fan of true stories and even more fascinated by those who do jobs I either never heard of or know very little about. Divers repairing pipeline 300 feet under water for up to 10 hours is absolutely astounding. Director Parkinson says of the film, “The story is about the emotional pull. If you were in that situation, you would want the people around you to do the same for you. That is the uplifting nature of the film.”.

It's true, the film shows the goal of every person involved, to get to Chris. They do things that are not either usual or by the book yet, they push what is necessary and that makes all the difference. From an unforgiving sea to the darkness of the deep, LAST BREATH is just as fast paced as the time in our heads ticking by.

The underwater scenes are frightening and well done so kudos to the cinematographers for that. The fear and sadness of each person on the screen is enough to get a sniffle out of me. Yet, when they kick into high gear, so did my emotions as I realized I was sitting up to the edge of my seat. That translates into a fantastic movie going experience so leave your thalassophobia at home and hit the theatres this Friday.

In the end – make every breath count!

He Was A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Nominated for 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture from director James Mangold and Searchlight Pictures comes the story of A COMPLETE UNKNOWN.

It is 1961 New York City and a young Bob Dylan (Timothee Chalamet) arrives with one goal – to meet his musical hero Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy). Finding Guthrie in a hospital room, he also meets Pete Seeger (Ed Norton) who encourages Dylan to play a song for the ill musician. Learning he has nowhere to stay, Seeger offer Dylan a place to stay and introduces him to the folk music scene.

At one of the events, Dylan meets Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning) and their romance begins. He also meets Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) and industry exec Albert Grossman (Dan Fogler) who takes Dylan as a client after hearing the music. Dylan begins writing songs about what is happening in the world and the social unrest. Skyrocketing to stardom, Dylan begins to feel the pressure and expectations of the record label and others around him. He begins to rebel and Seeger sees the stress.

Feeling pushed towards performing the older music instead of the new work, there is a breakdown between he and Baez in front of everyone. Things aren’t going well with Silvie either and now Dyland is alone but the music isn’t. Pushing to use more than his guitar and harmonica, Dylan explores using electric guitars and a rock sound. The one most unlikely person to push him forward with a new sound is fellow musician Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook).

It only takes a push to change everything!

Chalamet as Dylan allows his character to go with the flow of the times. It is clear Dylan is not like other folk singers and has a way with words and music. That captures listeners then the way it continues to today. Chalamet gives us the full-on cigarette smoking soft spoken Dylan hiding behind his sunglasses. Behind those sunglasses is a man with a bit of a mysterious past, a man hiding his emotions and a man of few words other than what he sings to onstage and Chalamet lets us ponder all of that.

Norton as Seeger felt like I was watching Seeger himself. Another soft-spoken character that just wanted folk music to endure and stay pure at its heart. Nortons Seeger believed and supported Dylan with a moment of flashing heartbreak and this actor nails it all. Barbaro as Baez is a strong woman who knows her own mind and music. Her involvement with Dylan becomes complicated which is all his own doing.

Fogler as Grossman sees Dylans magnetism in his work and knows how to expand his following. Dylan tests his patience as much as he does everyone else but Grossman is the one picking up the pieces. Fanning as Sylvie is an artist herself but spends a lot of time supporting Dylan. Fanning shows that Sylvie follows her own dreams but also that heartbreak can be pushed to its limits.  

Shout out to McNairy as Guthrie for an emotional performance that, in the final scene, absolutely broke my heart. Also, Holbrook as Johnny Cash and even though his role is small, like the man in black himself, he is a big presence and I loved it.

Other cast include Joe Tippett as Dave Van Ronk, Eriko Hatsune as Toshi Seeger, Peter Gray Lewis as Frank, Reza Salazar as Tito, David Alan Basche as John Hammond and James Austin Johnson as Gerdes M.C.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include The Making of A COMPLETE UNKNOWN – The Story, Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan, The Supporting Cast, The Design, and Audio Commentary by James Mangold.

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN falls into the bio-pic category and I admit that I love them. Here, Chalamet takes on the role of one of my absolute favorite artists and I first heard him when I was in elementary school. Of course, back in “the day” it was hard to learn about singers and songwriters and as the years went by musical tastes changed, evolved and life kept me busy. Through all that, Dylan was/is a constant and I think most Dylan-ites would agree that his music was a centerpiece.

The film finally gives us a glimpse of his beginnings, a few questions answered as well as more than a few surprises to Dylan’s life. Added to that the amazing costuming which absolutely took me back. The music truly had me thrilled with such songs as “Song to Woody”, “Blowin’ in the Wind’ The Times They Are a Changin’, Mr. Tambourine Man, Highway 61 Revisited and so many more.  

Chalamet leads the cast in the beautifully done story of music, relationships, fame and the pitfalls of it all. The ensemble weaves a tapestry as each character related to Dylan differently in an attempt to understand a man who refused to conform but instead chose to create.

In the end – this is a ballad of a true original!

The Intense Story of SEPTEMBER 5

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Prime from director Tim Fehlbaum and Paramount Pictures comes the true moments of terror on SEPTEMBER 5.

It is Munich, Germany and the 1972 Summer Olympics covered by ABC Sports and Mark Spitz wins his gold in swimming. Marvin Bader (Ben Chaplin) is the head of operations and is overseen by the president of ABC Sports Roone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard) who knows just how to spin the win. As the crew continues their work, translator Marianne Gebhardt (Leonie Benesch) and Jacques Lesgards (Zinedine Soualmen) hear startling sound coming from the Olympic village.

Back in the control room, Geoffrey Mason (John Magaro) receives a call asking if there is anything going on outside. The look on the faces of Marianne and Jacques when he asks about it, lets him know the answer. A terror attack has taken place as Israeli athletes are taken hostage by a group called Black September and they want Palestinian prisoners released in exchange. Arledge decides to take over the sports spot to bring in live what is happening. It is the creativity of the crew that gets the shots and listens in on what is being planned and conveyed to the public by sports anchor Jim McKay and Peter Jennings.

Negotiations are being handled by the Germany government but it seems as if everything is being handled haphazardly. The police even raid the station demanding that they cut off all feed but it doesn’t stop the crew as everything moves quickly and the world is stopping to watch it all unfold. When the terrorists demand to be flown away with the hostages, Mason sends Marianne to the military airfield with a camera crew to cover the event.

What happens next changes the court of Olympic history forever!

Magaro as Mason is put in a position of keeping the crew focused on bringing the story and making tough decisions. From the beginning of the attack to the end, Margaro’s character has immediately gone from covering sports to an event that changes the world. Taking his ques from Arledge, every moment brings in a new way to get the news out and Mason makes it happen. I was absolutely riveted by Magaro’s performance to the point where I forgot I was watching a film!

Sarsgaard as Arledge also sees the need for the crew already in place to cover the story. He continues to tell everyone that they need to “follow the story” and his push brings so much importance to what they bring together. Sarsgaard’s character is a fighter behind the scenes by refusing to release the story to those on the other side of the world. I loved that fight because, if nothing else, Arledge was right and Sarsgaard is totally believable.

Chaplin as Bader is a man who is unsure of how to handle the coverage of this unusual event. He is cautious and worries how it will be portrayed and the effect of what they are doing. Chaplin gives his character the conscience on the shoulder of the control room and attempts to keep it on the right track. Benesch as Marianna is a young woman who quietly does her work until the moment comes when her voice needs to be heard. She translates for the crew and helps them keep the most up-to-date information available. Benesch is a strong presence and brings her character to the front without pushing her way in. Marianna has something important to contribute and Benesch is stellar.

Other cast includes Georgina Rich as Gladys Deist, Corey Johnson as Hank Hanson, Marcus Rutherford as Carter Jeffrey, Daniel Adeosun as Gary Slaughter, Benjamin Walker as Peter Jennings, and Rony Herman as David Berger.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

SEPTEMBER 5 won Best Editing for Hansjorg Weilbbrich from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the Independent Spirit Awards, and AARP Movies for Grownups Award gave Peter Sarsgaard an award for Best Supporting Actor.

First of all, let me say that this film should win whatever is out there for ensemble cast because they are stunning together. There is not a character that pulls focus from the film and that made the film more intriguing to watch. Entirely in unison and in movement, SEPTEMBER 5 wraps us all around the story not allowing for a moment of rest. It is compelling on so many levels of emotional and jaw-dropping moments that compelling seems too small a word.

Using broadcast footage and a control room of the era brings authenticity which, once again, makes the film so believable and is all done to capture our attention. Written to captivate, Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum and Alex Davis have brought a complexity to a story that changed the way we came to see the world and the media to this day.

In the end – the world sees the terror unfold!

 

 

They are a Family UNBROKEN

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Beth Lane and Greenwich Entertainment comes the history of a family that refuses to be UNBROKEN.

Beth Lane takes on the story of her family who deals with the struggles of Nazi Germany and how they survived a war-torn Germany. Starting with grandfather Alexander who starts out life in Germany and eventually moves to Hungary where he meets his wife, Lina. They began their life with a difference as Alexander was Catholic and Lina was Jewish but in a bold move, he converts to Judaism.

Moving to Berlin, Lane looks for trails of her grandparents through her Uncle Alfonse’s’ letters providing a vague guide where to look into the family history even more. In Berlin, Lina has her own business repairing stockings. Her daughters Bella and Ruth have their memories of that time in Berlin. They recall wearing the star on their clothing. Soon after, Alexander is arrested and sent to a camp as Lina fought for her husband. World War II has begun and so did the deportations. Lina helped those fleeing and Alexander knew hos dangerous it was for the family.

Then Lina is arrested and as all the children are taken away. Arthur Schmidt, a local grocer and his wife Paula take the children to Worin, Germany and their farm. The children live in fear, hunger and isolation in a very small room. Schmidt tells no one and the Mayor of Worin tells no one of the children’s presence. While this is happening, Alexander renounces his Judaism to be able to work and feel his children while waiting for news of Lina.

Alexander takes the children back to Berlin only to have the family suffer an intense air raid while staying in the Schmidt’s’ basement. When the children are again taken by the Joint Distributions, Alexander pleads with them to stay together. The children experience hardship and more suffering as they arrive in Munich. Spending time at a convent, they are eventually put on the SS Marine Flasher boat but Alexander cannot follow them.

The children arrive in New York and make headlines as the “7 Orphans” (Alfons, Ruth, Senta, Gertrude, Judith, Renee and Bela), making their way to Chicago and the Jewish Children’s Bureau. It is there that the children discover to their shock that they can not keep their word to Alexander. Alexander tries again and again to get to America while the children begin new lives but away from one another. When Alexander does finally arrive, he starts over without the children.

As each of the children grow up, they become part of their new families but there is so much they cannot forget – including each other. In 1986, the children, now adults, finally get together. This is a family that came from love and war but never forgot where they came from and how seven children created a huge family of their own!

Greenwich Entertainment, founded in 2017, is an independent film distribution company specializing in narrative and documentary feature films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.greenwichentertainment.com.

The film has garnered recognition from the Heartland Int’l Film Festival for Best Documentary Premiere, Audience Choice Best Doc from the Julien Dubuque Int’l Film Festival, Best First Time Filmmaker from the Hot Springs Women’s Int’l Film Festival, Audience Choice Best Doc from the Berkshire Int’l Film Festival, Madelyn’s Choice Award from the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival and Runner Up Audience Choice Best Doc from the Orcas Island Film Festival.

Beth Lane says of her film, “Making UNBROKEN has allowed me to embrace how wholly Jewish I am. And I am very proud of it. My life doesn’t revolve around my Judaism, but this moment in history – this horrible period of antisemitism has brought out the Mama Bear in me that is fierce and ancient. My birth grandfather was tortured by Nazis and then they murdered my birth grandmother. My mother and her siblings barely survived. I had never considered that I was the recipient of intergenerational trauma until I started exploring my mother’s past.”

UNBROKEN is a stunning story of family during a time when their country was falling apart. Surviving day by day through their trauma during way and more trauma being separated for so many years, director Lane follows the painful path and the story that shaped them. It is heart breaking to see how a beautiful beginning based in love becomes the beginnings of trying to survive. The children experienced things no child should ever have to and its almost unthinkable today.

Yet, they managed to find their way back to each other which brings it all full circle back to love. Only the seven children knew the whole of their story and only the seven could relate to each other’s pain and feeling of abandonment coming to a strange new world. The most wonderful part of this documentary is seeing them together to feel safe enough to remember it and share it with Lane. That’s what it takes to talk about such trauma, safety in the presence of those who understand it all from Germany, their parents, living in basically a closet, shuffled to another country and starting over.

In the midst of all that is the one thing that could never be taken from them and that is the blood flowing through their sibling veins and the ache to reconnect. That is such a powerful force and the “7 Orphans” found a way to be together once again. This is an amazing documentary and Lane does her family proud in every way bringing it to the screen for us all to experience.

In the end -  always stay together!

 

MUFASA: The Lion King Comes Home

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital platforms from director Barry Jenkins and Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes the story of two brothers and one MUFASA: The Lion King.

Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) is a young cub who, after an accident, finds himself alone in the world. He meets Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) after rescuing him and convinces his mother Eshe (Thandie Newton) to take him in. The one lion who isn’t happy is Obasi (Lennie James) who sees Mufasa as a stray that needs to be away from him son.

As Mufasa grows, so does the teachings of Eshe! He has learned to be still and reach out to the vastness of his world. He and Taka remain friends and when the pride is under attack, Obasi sees that Mufasa is a force to be reckoned with. Mufasa is put to the test again when a pride of white lions led by Kiros is destroying prides and taking everything for his own. Obasi tells Mufasa that he must take Taka and keep the bloodline.

On the road they meet Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) and her trusted bird Zazu (Preston Nyman). Agreeing to continue on, they also meet Rafiki (John Kani) who has a way about him that is intriguing to Mufasa. That doesn’t mean the white lions aren’t hot on their trail. When they arrive at their destination, Mufasa attempts to make the animals understand that they must fight Obasi together or lose their beautiful home.

Pierra as Mufasa lends his voice to the orphaned lion who is raised by Eshe after becoming lost to his own family. His voice gives us the feeling of loss, of growing up, of Mufasa finding his place in the plains of Africa and of becoming a leader he was always meant to be. Harrison Jr. lends his voice to Taka, beginning as a young cub who befriends Mufasa and sees him as a brother, to having a complicated relationship with his father. Taka is also attempting to discover where he fits in and coming to terms with his own fears.

James as Obasi believes being a leader is to parade around being judgmental and lying in the sun while everyone else does the heavy lifting. The one thing Obasi is sure of is keeping the bloodline when it all comes under attack. Newton as Eshe is a loving substitute mother for Mufasa and sees potential and encourages it when no one else in his adoptive pride does. Everything she believes about Mufasa is based on his instincts and receptiveness to learning.

Boone as Sarabi is a princess in her pride but having been chased off, she teams up with Mufasa and Taka along with her own personal winged protection in Zazu. She is strong willed and perfectly capable of handling situations as they arise. Nyman as Zazu is more confident than anyone else and has no problem saying so. He is also quite funny and charming in his own right.

Kani as Rafiki is the calmest of the new “pride” that has banded together. He knows what he knows and doesn’t get ruffled by much. Getting Mufasa, Taka, Sarabi and Zazu to Malaylay is his mission and they honestly couldn’t have made it without him. I just love the very straight forward fun Kami brings to Rafiki and it’s all bundle around such love.

Other cast include Billy Eichner as Timon, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Anika Noni Rose as Afia, Keith David as Masego, Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, Tho Somolu as Taka cub, Kagiso Lediga as young Rafiki, Donald Glover as Simba.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

Bonus Features include a Full-Length Sing-Along – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics, Finding Milele: The Making of Mufasa: The Lion King – Join visionary director Barry Jenkins and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King on an epic journey to create a brand-new chapter in the story of The Lion King. Explore how the story was developed and the technology used to make Mufasa's world come to life.

Also included are the Songs of the Savanna – Director Barry Jenkins and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda sit down to discuss the excitement and challenges of creating the music for Mufasa: The Lion King, Ostrich Eggs with Timon & Pumbaa – Timon and Pumbaa reveal fun facts and some of the hidden references in the movie, Outtakes – Watch the cast having fun in the recording booth, Deleted Scenes: Who's the Mole Rat?, What Do You Feel in There?, Have Faith in Her and Taka's Dream, Music Video: "I Always Wanted a Brother" – Join Lin-Manuel Miranda and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King as they perform "I Always Wanted A Brother" backstage at a film shoot and Protect the Pride – Learn how Disney and The Lion Recovery Fund are working to protect the pride and conserve lions in the wild.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Celebrate the Circle of Life with Mufasa: The Lion King available on digital retailers (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) now.

MUFASA: The Lion King is a must-have for any Disney home entertainment library sitting right next to THE LION KING on the shelf. The small lions are charming and it’s nice to see Pumbaa and Timon again as they are still as wild and silly as ever. The adult lions show the relationships between prides, being a stray, brotherhood, belief, and what can happen when power corrupts absolutely.

The live-action special effects give the animals the look of reality with big paws, big claws and flowing fur mixed in with emotion in their eyes and strength in their voices. All of that lends itself to telling the story of Mufasa and how he became the unexpected King of Pride Rock. Jenkins and Disney seem to have taken great pains to make sure that the original 1994 THE LION KING story meshes in with MUFASA: The Lion King and that makes all the difference.

So, gather up your own pride and return to Pride Rock for the story we didn’t know about MUFASA: The Lion King.

In the end – from orphan and outsider to King!

It is Time for A SLOTH STORY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Tania Vincent, Ricard Cusso and Blue Fox Entertainment comes the remarkable tale with A SLOTH STORY.

After a destructive storm tears through the restaurant of the Flores sloth family and it is not safe to rebuild, it is time for them to move on. Papa Luis (Benjamin Gorrono) and Mama Gabriella (Olivia Vasquez) are sad to have to leave but when they build a food truck called Gordito and move to the big city to seek their fortune. Laura (Teo Vergara) is the fastest of the sloth family and is excited for the chance to experience it all along with brother Mani (Facundo Herrera).

Laura tries to explain to her family that preparing food is done too slowly and people want it fast. She also quickly makes friends with the local children who are so thrilled to have her as part of their team. She also comes up with the idea to create an assembly line in the food truck in order to get the food out faster and mom Gabriella agrees as long as they continue to use the family recipes. The food is almost immediately a success and the people are loving it!

Someone who is not loving it is Dotti Pace (Leslie Jones), a fast-food business that is having its own problems. She is also hearing the buzz around the awesome Gordito food truck and it is frustrating. Pace believes she can solve the sloth problem by buying out their family recipes but Luis and Gabriella aren’t having it. Laura becomes upset because she can’t join her friends and play cricket while Pace sees it as a chance to worm her way in and destroy the Flores family.

What Laura learns is that her family is much more than a book of recipes, she slows down and begins to understand what her parents have been trying to achieve all along.

Vergara voicing Laura is a young sloth who moves faster than those around her. That swiftness is a problem because it is more about impatience than speed. She wants a so much for herself and trying to help her family gets muddled between being a kid and helping her family succeed in a new place. Vasquez as Gabriella is a mother who just wants to keep her family book close and be successful at slow cooking. She and Laura have their conflict as all mothers and daughters do.

Gorrono as Luis is a father who loves everything around him. He also wants what is best for the family and creating a food truck is his way to find not only a way for them to be together but also take care of one another. Herrera as Mani is a typical brother who wants to help the family and yet not much bothers him. That doesn’t mean he isn’t all in for the family because he most certainly is.

Jones as Dotti Pace is a character that gets more and more frustrated as her business doesn’t seem to be getting better. Realizing that the Flores sloth clan has something everybody wants, Jones gives her character an all-out badness because now she wants it all for herself. The Flores sloth family (and a few friends) are not about to give up something that is precious to their family in so many ways.

Other voices include Dan Brumm as Chief Furbank, Remy Hii as Platy, Matteo Romaniuk as Arlo and Andrew Cook as Coach Jerry.

Blue Fox Entertainment is a global film distribution and sales company specializing in connecting filmmakers to audiences and buyers in the United States and around the world internationally. For more of what Blue Fox Entertainment has to offer please visit www.bluefoxentertainment.com.

A SLOTH STORY has so many wonderful meanings to it from a family struggling, a family history, generational divide and a young girl trying to find her own way. When their home is taken by mother nature, it takes only a brief moment before the family picks themselves up and finds a way to make it work. It doesn’t happen right way but with a bit of time, a lot of creativity and a bit of love, these sloths realize they can’t be successful without one another.

The film itself is wonderfully colorful and it adds such a richness to the story. The characters have their own personalities that are charming, well, maybe except for Dotti Pace. That being said, she is a spotty villain and Jones gives her character a slyness that doesn’t help Laura at all. Laura herself is a girl who has a hard time containing her emotions as she wants to help her family, she wants to have friends and the divide between the two are difficult for a kid.

A SLOTH STORY is an amazing film and I so recommend that families come together to experience it for themselves. After it is over, the story offers a wonderful opportunity for the family to talk about the story and how each can relate to it. I have a sneaky suspicion that we all have the Flores family in us.

In the end – fast food cooked slowly is the sloth way!

 

 

 

 

THE POWER OF CHI

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to On Demand and Digital from director David Grovic, Lionsgate and narrated by Morgan Freeman comes the look at the mystical with THE POWER OF CHI.

The film brings us into the thought process and the teachings of Chi which originated from Tai Chi Chuan centuries ago. The power of the body is stunning in this piece as a large man and a smaller man go face to face with a result that is unexpected. Adam became fascinated with Kung Fu and meditation. He went deeper into the world of internal force and he helps athletes with Chi and strongman Brian Shaw is the first to experience Adams force.

The UFC, kickboxing, boxing athletes like Lyoto Machida, Thanasis Michaloudis and Fabricio Werdum are experiencing proof of the power of Chi and experience with fingers touch how off balance they can become. Adam Mizner makes it look amazingly easy just by using what he calls his life force. Explaining to the athletes how Chi works for each of them, the smaller Adam clearly makes them nervous with the power one would think his size wouldn’t bring! Using technique and energy, each of the athletes are startled at what Adam can do. Neither standing nor sitting are they able to move him.

Calli Taylor sees for herself the power of Adam as she watches them push him sitting down, standing up and even on one leg. They athletes are stunned by what he can do with his energy and they want to know more to use in their own professions. Adam believes that Chi is in every part of existence believing the force is life. He also believes that it is possible for anyone to feel it by opening up to it.

In Chi, there are movements that converge to bring power by releasing tension and opening up to the force of the universe. The mind and body are one and the results show exactly that. Tim Morehouse is a member of the US fencing team and meets with Adam with practice sword in hand. Morehouse says he has never felt anything like the energy that Adam is emitting. The thickness of their practice swords should not be breaking, yet, they are.

Up against a large football player, Hunter Hillenmeyer played for the Packers and Bears in the NFL and explains how a player sees the game. The large Hillenmeyer can not seem to move Adam referring to him as “slippery”. Both Morehouse and Hillenmeyer can only explain it as feeling strange and confusing that Adam can do what he is able to do. Adam also shows that Chi is transferrable as Calli takes on the NFL player.

Jason Collins is seven feet tall and played in the NBA and he is about to experience Chi with the much smaller Adam. Collins also learns that the touch of a finger can change his ability to complete a simple lift.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

THE POWER OF CHI is such a remarkable documentary showing us what is possible manipulating energy. Seeing Adam Mizner come face to face with men larger in height and weight than himself and controlling the situation in stunning ways can make anyone a believer in the simplicity of Chi. Add that to Freeman’s explanation of what our mind is capable of and doing every second of every day, it is a lot to comprehend.

Watching the reaction of these very large and very strong athletes go through the pushing and pulling shows the power and the force that they could never have believed unless they experienced it for themselves. They are quite stunned by what they are experiencing and we are seeing it on film for ourselves.

Adam says that what drew him to Chi was that one can get better at it as they get older. His Grandmaster in his 70’s was able to do the same to men much younger than he was. He believes that you have to cultivate the Chi and age is not a barrier nor is there a difference between a man and a woman. The technique allows both sexes to practice Chi with amazing results. The young woman Lily has no difficulty moving even the largest of the athletes that Adam moved also with ease.

THE POWER OF CHI, I believe, is about the energy we all have inside us, it is a matter of connecting with it to enrich so many aspects of our lives.

In the end – he is showing the power of Chi!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy on Peacock

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Peacock from director Michael Morris and Universal Pictures is the next installment on the life of BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy.

Bridget Jones (Rene Zellweger) is finding her life at home with son Billy (Casper Knopf) and daughter Mabel (Mila Jankovic) a challenge without Mark. Oddly, she does still have a friendship with Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) who is still up to his old-dog-no-new-tricks ways but the kid like him. Keeping Bridget in check are her most reliable friends Shazzer (Sally Phillips), Jude (Shirley Henderson) and Tom (James Callis).

Taking the kids to school seems like a chore and meeting the new teacher Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his whistle is daunting enough. Feeling more insecure than ever about herself, family physician Dr. Rawlings (Emma Thompson) gets a chance to put her two cents in and tells Bridget to basically get over herself and get on with life. Deciding to take a small piece of her advice, she gets back to work as a producer for television after hiring Nanny Chloe (Nico Parker). Happy to have her back are colleagues Miranda (Sarah Solemani) and Una (Celia Imrie).

Getting the kids out of the house, Bridget finds herself up a tree – literally, and being rescue by the young and handsome Roxster (Leo Woodall). A giddiness takes over Bridget and so does a summer months fling that everyone finds out about in the usual “Bridget” way. Returning to school, Mr. Wallaker senses that something is wrong with Billy and Bridget is back to trying to understand her life. It takes an outing for her to realize that she needs to rethink choices, understand her children and let go!

It is amazing how life changes when you make a few small changes.

Zellweger is back as Bridget Jones and it doesn’t feel like she missed a beat. A little older and a tad wiser, she still is a bumbling mess trying to feel her way around life. That is part of the Jones charm, a lot of the complexities most of us keep on the inside, Bridget Jones has no filter showing hers on the outside. Still charming in the midst of her crisis’s, still a strong in her friendships (even with Daniel) and when push comes to shove – she figures it out in her own unique way. Zellweger does all of that and more bringing out beloved Bridget to the screen because we love her – just as she is.

Grant as Daniel is also up to his old tricks, even with Bridget, but seems to have embraced the role of uncle to her children. A slight jaw-drop in the way he does it but the kids love him for it and the adults just roll their eyes and then laugh. I’m so glad he came back to see Daniels story through. Woodall as Roxster is a young man who has a fancy for the ‘slightly’ older Bridget. He is fun, charming and easy on the eyes, just ask all Bridget’s friends! He shows up at a time when Bridget seems to be more open about moving on in that part of her life and Roxster is happy to oblige.

Ejiofor as Mr. Wallaker is a stern and whistle-strict teacher who can’t seem to get out of his own way. He says what he means and it isn’t always well received. Going toe-to-toe with Bridget isn’t an easy task either but Ejiofor manages to do quite well. His role feels like a bit of a LOVE ACTUALLY feel and I don’t mind that one bit. Knopf as Billy is a young boy who is very much like his father and doesn’t always understand his mom. Knopf’s performance is so sweet. Jankovic as Mabel is like mom in her thinking process about things. This is one adorable little girl who knows how to use a pot and spoon.

Phillips, Henderson and Callis just had my heart as Bridget’s friends return to support her in their own unique white wine guzzling way. They love her, support her and want what’s best in her life and have been there for, let’s just say, 25+ years. We should all be so lucky to have friends like that.

Now, for the elephant in the room – Firth as Mark. I’m absolutely going to start tearing up here because I am a Firth-fan from way back. When I learned in 2001 that he would be playing Mark Darcy in BRIDGET JONES DIARY, I basically shouted to the rafters. Not only is he the films Mark Darcy, but the Mr. Darcy of my heart in the 1995 BBC series Pride & Prejudice. Here, he makes his role plain in the story and I’m leaving it at that but have tissue at the ready.

Other cast include Isla Fisher as Rebecca, Neil Pearson as Richard, Ian Midlane as Paul, Jane Fowler as Henrietta, James Rawlings as Huge, Ruth Gibson as Jane, Claire Skinner as Magda, Mark Lingwood as Cosmo, Dolly Wells as Woney. Cameos include Gemma Jones as Mom Pamela, Jim Broadbent as Dad Colin and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy.  

The film is based on the book by Helen Fielding Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and also wrote the screenplay with Dan Mazer and Abi Morgan.

Peacock, is an American subscription streaming service owned and operated by Comcast through its entertainment division NBCUniversal. Universal Pictures has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy had me a little wary I don’t mind saying. It is extremely hard to get the band back together time and time again and the last time was in 2016 with BRIDGET JONES’S BABY. That being said, it works and man does it take a toll emotionally with scene after scene reminding us how it all started. There is no reinventing the wheel here but instead, soft reminders of why the film was a success in the first place.

Bridget Jones reminds us of the craziness of this life and when you wade through all of the mess – there we find those who support, cheer and love every messy moment right alongside us. Is there really anything more wonderful than that?

In the end – she’s starting a new chapter!

 

The Mystery of THE GORGE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from director Scott Derrickson and Skydance comes an intense thriller that will have everyone guessing about THE GORGE.

Levi (Miles Teller) is good at one thing, that is being a sniper. Someone who already knows this is Bartholomew (Sigourney Weaver), who knows his history of being a gun for hire so to speak. She offers Levi a position that will take him away for a year and she can not tell him anything else which is intriguing. Waking up on a helicopter, Levi realizes that he’s about to jump out to an unknown place but is met by J.D. (Sope Dirisu). J.D. gives him the rundown of what is expected of him for the next 365 days.

In a large tower is everything Levi needs to keep an eye on a gorge that is covered in a mist. Across the divide is another tower where he sees Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy). Day by day they both do the tasks assigned to them. One evening, Drasa sees Levi and decides to send a message which is against the rules on both sides. That one moment is the beginning of their gorge friendship.

That doesn’t mean they avoid the reality of why they have been assigned to their towers. What rises up is intense and determined as both Levi and Drasa do what they do best – shoot. When the unexpected happens, the two snipers discover who and why the gorge is being kept a secret from the world and the part that Bartholomew plays in it all!

Teller as Levi is so stunning in this role as a man who has his own demons but is about to find new ones. Taking on the year-long mission seems to give him time to be away from people and perhaps give him some peace. Instead, he discovers Drasa and what is in the gorge below his feet. Teller is intense and he brings it in full force and still allowing himself to explore emotions he had been avoiding. All the events of the film, Teller flows with the story and plays off Taylor-Joy’s character with finesse and focus. I truly enjoyed his work here.

Taylor-Joy as Drasa is equally as stunning as a woman who is equal to Levi as a sniper. She knows her skills and doesn’t look to anyone, not even Levi, to acknowledge them. Being alone in her tower, it is she who has no problems breaking the rules first and on her own terms. I love the attitude Taylor-Joy gives Drasa throughout the film. She has bursts of emotions but they do not take over when the gorge shows itself. If anything, Drasa gets into focused mode when it comes down to it. So well done!

Weaver as Bartholomew is a woman who is stern and knows exactly what she is doing. Enlisting Levi for the mission, she is watching what is happening. Weaver isn’t a major up front player in the film but man oh man, her characters presence is absolutely there. I’m pretty much a happy person any time I see Weaver on the screen, large or small. One of my favorite actresses and her role here just solidifies her cool choices and range of role choices.

Apple TV+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019. Viewable through Apple’s TV app, CEO Tim Cook wanted original content calling it “a great opportunity for us from a creation point of view”. From THE MORNING SHOW to TRYING and THE BANKER and Jason Momoa in SEE, there is plenty of choices for everyone. Plenty of genres? That is exactly what they are bringing to viewers and to see more of what they have to offer please visit www.apple.com/tv/.

THE GORGE is a fantastic mixture of romance, thrill, suspense, mystery, secrets and action. It is a slow intense burn and I was all for it from beginning to end. The chemistry between Teller and Taylor-Joy is real perfection as they held their characters equally. Both characters are uniquely qualified for their year-long mission and both knew how to handle situations that would probably make me run away as fast as my legs would take me. The film is a tad over two hours but worthy of every second it is on the screen.

Director Derrickson keeps the cast simple but the story large and intense which is to his credit. He allows the audience to watch the two snipers not only deal with what is in the gorge but make their own rules. Each scene brings more and more suspense as Teller and Taylor-Joy uncover the mystery together and take on Sigourney Weaver and I loved it all. Apple TV+ adds a very good film to their amazing line up of films and series so add THE GORGE to your must-see!       

In the end – who knows the secret below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Downside of I LOVE YOU FOREVER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital for Valentines Day from writer/directors Cazzie David, Elisa Kalani and Entertainment 360 is a different kind of emotion with I LOVE YOU FOREVER.

Mackenzie (Sofia Black-D’Elia) is trying to understand her on and off again relationship with Alex (Adam Alpert). Roommate’s Lucas (Jon Rudnitsky) and Ally (Cazzie David) have pretty much heard it all but still love their friend. Unexpectedly, Mackenzie meets Finn (Ray Nicholson) and her love life is about to totally change.

Finn immediately shows Mackenzie that he knows how to treat a lady and she is surprised. Feeling as if she finally found someone who understands her, Mackenzie is all into the relationship and the honeymoon phase has her on a cloud. Meeting Lucas and Ally, Finn shows them his best side with charm. But some things come to her attention and she isn’t quite sure why.

Trying to study one evening, Finn doesn’t seem to get the hint that she needs space to complete her work. When Mackenzie tries to smooth over the situation, things become sideways and again, she isn’t sure what to make of his reaction. Finn apologizes and she brushes it off as stress for both of them. Lucas and Ally talk with her about the change they see in their friend but it’s going to take more than talk for Mackenzie to see where her relationship is going.

Black-D’Elia as Mackenzie is a smart young woman who just has lousy luck when it comes to the kind of love she believes, and rightfully so, she deserves. Mackenzie is stunned to think that someone would sweep her off her feet with charm, style and humor. Black-D’Elia gives us all the stress and insecurities of her character and it is totally believable which makes the film amazing in the story its telling. Wonderful performance!

Nicholson as Finn gives his character all the charm and fun of a boyfriend every girl is looking for. The problem is once you get past that, there is a dark side that is probably the reason why many women don’t dive into dating. That being said, Nicholson is outstanding in portraying this character because, once again, there is a believability that causes uncomfortable tingling that is also relatable for many.

David as Ally is that girlfriend that we all just love. She is snarky, has fantastic one-liners and gives Mackenzie the blunt friendship she deserved. David has me giggle-snorting but also realizing I have a friend exactly like her character and couldn’t imagine life without her (shout out to Val!). Rudnitsky as Lucas is the guy-friend surrounded by females but none of them are his. He is the male counterpart to Ally with equal snark and one-liners and there isn’t a minute where an ‘awwwww’ didn’t escape me. These two actors together are spectacular plain and simple.

Other cast include Oliver Cooper as Harrison, Raymond Cham Jr. as Jake, Mireia Jiminez-Phinilla as Sam. Myke Wright as Freddie, and Alex Crawford as Danny.

Founded in 2002, Entertainment 360 is a talent and literary management/production company based in Los Angeles. We Work with Storytellers across the entertainment industry to help produce and foster content that impacts culture, entertains, and inspired. For more please visit www.ent360.com.

Directors David and Kalani talk about their film, “When we set out to make this film, we wanted to create a relatable romantic comedy for our generation. Something that satirized the horrors of being single in today’s unsettling, and constantly evolving romantic landscape. It was immediately clear to us that the romcom our generation has been waiting for is the anti-romcom. The irony is that the textbook toxic relationship almost always begins "just like the movies." Buzzwords like “love bombing,” “gaslighting,” “narcissist,” have saturated the vernacular on the internet to the point that they’ve lost all meaning. I LOVE YOU FOREVER depicts the nuance of what these words truly mean, and pokes fun at the culture that has glorified and overused them.”

I LOVE YOU FOREVER is such a mixture of emotions from start to finish. The character of Mackenzie just wants to be loved and seen as everyone does. With those emotions running high, it is easy to see how this character would fall hard and fast for Finn! All relationships have a honeymoon phase and these two take full advantage of that. When the necessities of life come back into focus, meaning Mackenzie’s need to study for example, there are some red flags that get waved.

The film truly does take in, as the directors state, the buzz words like ‘gaslighting’ and ‘love bombing’ to the highest heights. Watching the character of Mackenzie go through the ringer can also be a manual of ‘hey, see the red flags?”. The character is so relatable to both men and women because we have all experienced it at one time or another. Take the time to see how one woman handles her choices!

In the end – romance is a challenge!

 

The Fear of NOSFERATU Comes to 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director Robert Eggers and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes another retelling of the story of NOSFERATU.

Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) is a young woman living with her husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) in Germany. As an estate agent, Thomas is hoping that his position as Schloss Grunewald will give him an opportunity to bring a wonderful life for his wife. Called in to see his employer Herr Knock (Simon McBurney), Thomas is told that he would be traveling to visit the recluse Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard) who wishes to purchase property in Wisborg.

Thomas asks friends Friedrich Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and wife Anna (Emma Corrin) to look after Ellen as he travels to Transylvania. Arriving after weeks, he is greeted with hostility by the Romani townsfolk and witnesses a ritual that is shocking. Having to make the rest of the journey to Orlok’s castle, he is greeted by Orlok and the appearance is disturbing to Thomas. Yet, he does what he must to finish the paperwork so he can return home to Ellen.

Lord Orlok has other plans and it includes also wanting to return to see the lovely young Ellen. Thomas realizes that he must escape before the nightmares and their effects consume him. Near death, his makes his way home without realizes that Ellen is also suffering melancholy to be confronted by scientist Albin Eberhart Von Franze (Willem Dafoe). Olek has no choice but to sail for Wisborg in a rat-infested ship, using the scurrying creatures to cause havoc in his new hometown met by Knock.

Wisborg is struck by the plague and Thomas attempts to regain his strength as Ellen realizes that her own dreams and nightmares are caused by one thing. Now, Thomas, Dr. Wilhelm Sievers (Ralph Ineson), Von Granze and Ellen must come together with a plan that can put a stop to the madness and destruction happening in their town. 

Hoult as Thomas is a man that clearly wants a standard of life for himself and wife Ellen. Accepting an assignment that could bring him financial reward, it could never have imagined what was truly to come. Hoult has truly spent the last few years covering almost every genre of film and standing out. In this film he is challenged with horror and a bit of bravery all in the name of love. Depp as Ellen is clearly a woman who suffers from a strange malady. Finding refuge in her marriage, it is only a temporary reprieve. Depp gives her character the look of a woman struggling to discover what is true in her life and what is madness.

Skarsgard as Orlok is a strange character but that is nothing new for this actor. The mystery is in how Orlok truly looks which is masked by shadows. Pennywise and Orlok do have a lot in common and that’s where Skarsgard wins. Dafoe as Von Franze comes across as slightly rattled in his own mind with zippy Shakespearean one liners causing a bit of chaos trying to convince everyone that there is a vampire present.

Taylor-Johnson as Fredrich is a wealthy man who befriends Thomas and Ellen. He loves his wife and children and as the world becomes unhinged, Taylor-Johnson character has a difficult time grasping the reality of the situation. Corrin as Anna loves her friendship with Ellen and is distraught at her condition. There is nothing Corrin’s character Anna won’t do for Ellen and it may cost her.

McBurney as Knock is the servant of Orlok but that doesn’t mean his opportunity to cause a little mayhem on his own isn’t possible. Creepy and dedicated, every opportunity McBurney is on screen is a chance to shock. Ineson as Sievers is a former student of Von Franze and doctor to Ellen. Seeking help to discover the cause of a young woman’s malady, he knows that his mentor may be a little off, but brilliant none-the-less.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include the Extended Cut and Theatrical Version, Deleted Scenes, NOSFERATU: A Modern Masterpiece and Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Robert Eggers.

NOSFERATU is a film that is grey, dark and filled with vampiric folklore. The characters felt more like this should be a dark and eerie stage production. The costuming is one of my favorite things about period pieces and the film definitely comes through on that score brilliantly. The women truly looked like the era and gave it such a richness to the story.

The cinematography was beautifully done with the eeriness of greys, blacks and a fogginess that lends feels like another character in the film. The music added a nice touch of intensity to the scenes. However, the 1992 film BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA continues to be my standard and this film hasn’t changed that opinion. It is interesting to note that every generation or so a Dracula film comes along and sticks with the audience of that era. My grandmother had her Bela Lugosi, my mother had Frank Langella, I have Gary Oldman and now Bill Skarsgard.

In the end – succumb to the darkness!

They Take On the INVASION

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Bobby Boermans and Well Go USA is the story of those who sacrifice everything to stop the INVASION.

Off the coast of Curacao, the Coast Guard is on the tail of smugglers who think they can outrun the law. Finally catching up, the soldiers are surprised to get a call to come back to the ship. The new is that there is an attack by a rogue nation on Curacao and plans must be made. On the shore, three Marines are in the middle of training as one soldier believes that he is on his way to leaving military service. Word comes down that every man is needed to get the enemy under control.

Attacking civilians and the military, the soldiers realize they must do whatever is necessary to protect the people and keeping Curacao from being taken over. When the base is overrun, those in charge realize that a prisoner is the reason for the attack and now they must get him out of the line of fire.

Each step they take brings them all closer to either dealing with the invaders or buying time until more help arrives. These aren’t just any Marines; they are soldiers willing to do whatever it takes!

The cast includes Tarikh Janssen, Gijs Blom, Ortal Vriend, Jasha Rudge, Fedja Van Huet, Gijs Scholten Van Aschat and Raymond Thiry.

Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com.

The story is one of friendship, courage, leadership and the fight to do what is right protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Director Boermans takes on a mixture of all of these and facets them into an action film that stretches the full 90 minutes. Taking it from the perspective of the ship at sea, those affected and the soldiers pushing the interlopers back, nothing is left to chance.

As the military does what it can, they are not helped much by those in government as they can’t seem to get it together one way or the other. It is the soldiers who know what needs to be done and how to do it. I am a fan of action films and INVASION gives plenty of that from beginning to end. The cast bring the story to fruition and as an ensemble make the story work seamlessly.     

In the end – every war becomes personal!